Singapore is honoured to have been selected to host the 8th Global Botanic Gardens Congress (8GBGC). This significant event, jointly organised by the Singapore Botanic Gardens (SBG) and Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI), marks the first time it will be held in Southeast Asia. This region is home to over 100 organisations that includes botanic gardens, arboreta and other NGOs and is renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity, housing approximately 20 to 25 per cent of the world’s plant and animal species.

Taking place from 6th to 9th August 2024, 8GBGC will revolve around the theme “Botanic Gardens – People and Plants for a Sustainable Future”. In the face of pressing challenges such as global biodiversity loss and climate change, we firmly believe that botanic gardens must play a vital role in shaping a sustainable future, for humanity and the environment. The Congress aims to explore innovative approaches for botanic gardens to fulfil their missions in research, conservation, education and outreach. Even as botanic gardens push on with their work, they find themselves challenged by a warming and changing climate, fiscal constraints, and at times, the lack of socio-political support. How should botanic gardens address these challenges? Additionally, we will delve into the potential of digital technologies and artificial intelligence to enhance the work of botanic gardens.

The Congress promises to be an excellent platform for botanic gardens, institutions of higher learning, policymakers and plant enthusiasts to get together, exchange knowledge, network and draw inspiration from one another’s experience. The Congress will feature engaging presentations by global thought leaders, technical presentations, panel discussions, poster sessions, thematic workshops, and technical tours.

Singapore serves as the ideal host city for this event. Often hailed as the world’s greenest high-density city, it boasts over 400 gardens and parks, both large and small. Among its notable attractions are the iconic Singapore Botanic Gardens, Gardens by the Bay, and Jurong Lake Gardens. The Singapore Botanic Gardens holds the distinction of being the only tropical botanic garden inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is recognised, along with two other botanic gardens, for its outstanding universal value to humanity. Throughout its 164-year history, the Gardens has played a critical role in shaping the socio-economic and environmental history of Singapore and the region.

The Gardens will also be staging the iconic Singapore Garden Festival (SGF), held in conjunction with 8GBGC. Taking place from 3rd to 11th August 2024, the biennial SGF brings together top award-winning landscape and garden designers, florists and horticulturists from around the world who team up with Singapore’s own talented horticulturists. Singapore’s strategic location makes the Festival an ideal platform to showcase horticultural products and services from various regions.

In collaboration with BGCI, the Singapore Botanic Gardens eagerly anticipates your presence at the Congress, offering you a warm welcome and an opportunity to explore the captivating city of Singapore!

Best wishes,
Prof. Tan Puay Yok (Co-chair and Director, Singapore Botanic Gardens) and Dr Paul Smith (Co-chair and Secretary General, BGCI)